TAMPA, Fla. — Flags across Florida are lowered to half-staff today to honor officers who have died or become disabled in the line of duty.
Peace Officers Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15, honors local, state and federal officers who sacrificed their lives to protect the United States. Former President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating it Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962 and this week National Police Week.
Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings throughout Florida from sunrise to sunset. It is also federal law for the flags to be lowered on this day. They must be lowered at the main or administration buildings of public institutions, state-owned or controlled buildings and state military installations.
Flags will also be lowered on Memorial Day at the end of the month, which will honor military personnel who died while serving.